Calais Campbell: Optimism abounds as he looks are Cardinals' new QB. (AP Photo)

So Campbell's comments to CBSSports.com should raise a question or two.

"It's very likely we can win the division, yes," Campbell said. "I respect every opponent in our division. Every one. But I think of it this way. We were able to hang in a bunch of our division games without a real quarterback.

"I don't want to disrespect anyone but now we have a real quarterback to go with a good defense. When we play with a lead, we're hard to beat. This is the first time in years that we have an offense that matches our defense."

Palmer, acquired from the Oakland Raiders in the offseason, is expected to start. The Cardinals have been a black hole for quarterbacks since the departure of Kurt Warner, and last season saw another blown opportunity for Kevin Kolb, now with the Buffalo Bills.

Kolb and a flock of fill-ins are the targets of Campbell's "real quarterback" jab, intentional or not.

Stats would suggest Palmer is a tonic for the team, giving that he put up more than 4,000 yards passing last season with a spotty Raiders offense.

Arians led the Indianapolis Colts to a playoff berth while filling in as Chuck Pagano had cancer treatment. His Colts offense was sparked by Andrew Luck. Now he has a veteran passer and better receivers.

Best of them? Larry Fitzgerald, who is itching to make amends for his worst season as Kolb and four others tried to get him the ball.

Campbell's confidence is admirable, but it must be remembered all three NFC West opponents have stout defenses.

Then again, Arizona won't stagger when playing defense. Campbell addressed that in a positive light.

"I was talking to Carson the other day and he said he's never really played with a good defense before," he told CBSSports.com's Mike Freeman. "I told him it's been awhile since I played with a good quarterback."